Olubadan Cracks Down on Land Grabbers, Suspends Two Prominent Chiefs

Ibadan, Oyo State – In a decisive move to uphold the integrity of Ibadanland’s traditional institution and address the persistent issue of land grabbing, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), has wielded his authority to suspend two prominent Mogajis (family heads).

The affected chiefs are Mogaji Kamorudeen Kolawole of the Kukula family in Oke – Ofa Baba Isale, Ibadan North East Local Government, and Mogaji Samsudeen Bello of the Ekerin Ajengbe family in Isale Osi, Ibadan South West Local Government of Oyo State. Their suspension, which includes the immediate removal of their traditional beads, was announced yesterday during a session of the Olubadan Land Matters Committee held at the historic Old Olubadan Palace, Oja Oba, Ibadan.

Speaking through the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan conveyed the paramount ruler’s unwavering stance against activities that tarnish the revered image of the Olubadan and Ibadanland. Oba Ladoja stated unequivocally, “Your suspension order is indefinite until you retrace your steps and do the needful.”

The Olubadan’s pronouncement underscored repeated warnings issued to the suspended Mogajis to cease and desist from acts such as land grabbing, trespassing, forceful land acquisition, and the oppression of family members and other residents within their respective domains.

Effective immediately, the suspended Mogajis are barred from parading themselves as legitimate Olubadan traditional titleholders until their cases are reviewed. The Olubadan has further directed law enforcement agencies to apprehend any suspended traditional ruler who defies these sanctions and continues to present themselves as authentic chiefs.
Expressing deep concern over the apparent disregard shown by some Mogajis and Baales (village heads) who have failed to respond to invitations from the Olubadanland Land Matters Committee, the paramount ruler emphasized that such absenteeism would be construed as insubordination to the constituted authority. He warned that these absentee traditional titleholders risk forfeiting their titles entirely.

While details of the specific land grabbing allegations against the suspended Mogajis were not immediately available, this decisive action signals the Olubadan’s commitment to tackling the long-standing issue of illegal land acquisition within Ibadanland. Sources close to the palace indicate that the Olubadan Land Matters Committee has been actively investigating several cases of alleged land grabbing involving traditional titleholders, aiming to restore order and protect the rights of landowners in the metropolis.

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Yesterday’s meeting saw the presence of several prominent Ibadan traditional rulers and chiefs, including the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja; the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi; the Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salaudeen Hamidu Ajibade; Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, the Special Adviser to the Olubadan on Chieftaincy Matters; the President of the Association of Mogajis in Ibadanland, Mogaji Ariori of Olorisa family; Mogaji Adeleke Lukman, the Secretary to the Committee; and Mogaji Abdul Rasaq Akinola, the reporting officer to the committee, among others. Their presence underscored the seriousness with which the Olubadan is addressing this critical issue.

This bold move by the Olubadan is expected to send a strong message to other traditional titleholders in Ibadanland, reinforcing the importance of upholding ethical conduct and respecting the rule of law in land matters. It remains to be seen what steps the suspended Mogajis will take to address the allegations against them and seek a reversal of their suspension. However, the Olubadan’s firm stance indicates a new era of accountability within Ibadan’s traditional hierarchy.